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An Amtrak Bedroom is a great way to watch the scenery roll by as you travel down the tracks and have a little extra room!

Amtrak bedrooms offer more space and creature comforts than the other accommodations, and they appear on both styles of Amtrak long-distance trains.

An Amtrak bedroom is spacious for one, comfortable without being cramped for two, and with the possibility of three passengers (some cuddling is required for that (more on that later)).

This article will teach you about bedroom basics, trip planning, train boarding, and arriving at your destination.

Plus, 360-degree interactive photos and a few ideas and tips to better your trip.

Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, take notes, and discover what Kev says about Amtrak’s bedroom.

What Is An Amtrak Sleeper Car?

Sleeping cars offer you a private place to sit during the day and sleep horizontally at night. Amtrak sleeper cars are similar to RVs, designed efficiently with everything you need in a small space.

Amtrak has two types of sleeping cars, and the following two sections discuss this.

Superliners are bi-level, and Viewliners are single-level with a similar bedroom layout. Since bedrooms are identical in both equipment types, I combined the information into one article.

Types Of Amtrak Sleeper Cars

Amtrak’s Superliner (bi-level)

Viewliner (single-level)

Amtrak Bedroom Size And What Is Inside

Room Comforts

Amtrak bedrooms measure around 6.5′ by 7.5.’

These rooms have two large windows, with Viewliners having additional upper windows for more light and views. The upper windows allow the person in the upper bunk to look out at night without disturbing the lower passenger.

The entry door to the bedroom has a window for a more open feel, allowing you to look out the other side of the car. All windows have curtains to block light and for privacy.

Bedrooms have room and reading lights and a nightlight. There is at least one outlet in the room for charging your devices. An extension cord is always a must for train travel.

There is a small closet for storage and hanging up clothing and a few hangers.

More on what these rooms look like in the next section.

Bathroom and showers

There is a sink, trash can, medicine cabinet, storage space inside the bedroom, and a combined toilet and shower room. Also, in your room, you will find fresh towels and washcloths.

The bathroom in an Amtrak bedroom is not large, but it accommodates a shower and toilet efficiently in one space, with little room to spare. Yes, they are both in the same small space.

Superliners and the new Viewliner sleeper cars offer public restrooms if your in-room facility is busy.

Seating and Sleeping

The main area of the bedroom features a sofa, a chair, and a fold-out table between the chair and sofa. The sofa becomes the lower berth at night, and the upper berth folds down for your companion.

The lower berth size is between a full and twin-size bed. Two people could sleep on the lower bunk, but you must cuddle. A ladder helps passengers access the upper berth.

I am about 6’2″ and just fit length-wise in the upper bunk. The upper bed is slightly shorter than a lower roomette bed, but the width gives you extra room. There is just enough room on the upper bunk to move around, but you cannot sit up while in the upper bunk.

Packing Note

Packing light is essential for travel, especially by train. Although bedrooms offer more space, luggage can quickly fill up your room.

Be aware that checked bag service is not available between all stops.

Superliner sleeping cars have an unsecured rack on the lower level for extra baggage.

Viewliners bedrooms have additional storage space above the door and bathroom in your room.

Each passenger may carry on:

• One personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches, and 
• Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
• If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each. 

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

The moral of this story is the less you bring, the less you have to worry about, and the more room you’ll have.

What Does The Amtrak Bedroom Look Like?

People ask me what the bedrooms look like on the inside. My iPhone doesn’t have a wide-angle lens to capture that perfect view, so these are the best I can do.

Below my photos is a button for a 360 interactive view of these rooms.

Daytime

Move your mobile device or use the mouse to see the different angles.

What Comes With An Amtrak Bedroom?

There is more to these rooms than just more space on the train!

Complimentary meals

Your bedroom accommodation comes with all of your meals and a little more.

All two-night trains, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, and the Auto Train, have traditional dining in the dining car.

The other Viewliner trains, the City of New Orleans and Texas Eagle between Chicago, IL, and San Antonio, TX, offer flex meals in the Sleeper Lounge.

You can consume meals in the dining car or bring them to your room; the other option is having your car attendant bring them to your room. In that case, tipping is a nice gesture.

In the morning, Amtrak offers coffee and juice in your car at the coffee station. If you want coffee throughout the day, you may need to visit the sleeper lounge, dining car, or cafe. You can grab complimentary beverages in the Sleeper Lounge or Dining car.

At Station Services

Several major stations have lounges you can use while waiting for your first train, having a layover, or waiting for other transportation.

Many large stations offer red cap service, people who assist you to the train. Assistance could be helping you walk to the train or using a motor cart, depending on the station and the available equipment.

Where Can You Find Your Amtrak Bedroom?

Sleeper Cars are on either end of the train’s consist, and on a few, sleepers are on both ends.

Viewliner (Eastcoast Single level cars)

Viewliner bedrooms are near the boarding door vestibule. If you board the sleeper from that end of the car, walk past the accessible room, and you will find both bedrooms. You know you went too far if you see the roomette hallway.

If you board from the other end of the car, walk through the roomette corridor until you hit a bend in the road, and the bedrooms will be there.

Superliner Sleeper (Bi-Level)

Superliner bedrooms are on the upper level of the car.

Deluxe Sleeper

Deluxe Sleepers are found exclusively on the Auto Train.

Getting Around The Train

Sleeper cars are next to the dining car for most trains, and the cafe or sightseer lounge is next in line.

The exception to this rule is the 27/28 section on the Empire Builder; those sleeper(s) are at the end of the train, and the Boston sections 448/449 of the Lake Shore Limited.

Remember how many cars you are away from the dining car so you don’t end up in the wrong car. It happens even to experienced travelers.

With Superliner Trains, remember two things. To go between cars, you need to be on the upper level, and if you want to get on or off the train, you need to be on the lower level. They also have one restroom on the upper level and a few downstairs near the shower. All bedrooms are on the upper level.

Viewliners, everything is on one level. Sometimes, you board or get off the train in the adjacent car.

Special Request For Booking An Amtrak Bedroom

Two bedrooms in each car can turn into a suite, similar to hotel rooms with interior doors between the two rooms. If needed, you can book three people in a bedroom, but two people need to share the lower bed, which will be cozy. If you want to reserve either, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-Rail.

Booking An Amtrak Bedroom

Different Ways To Book

Amtrak offers a few ways to book reservations depending on your needs: in-person at staffed stations, by phone (1-800-USA-Rail), and electronically via the Amtrak website or app.

The best way to book is whatever is most comfortable for you. For me, using the website or app is convenient. But I will call to make changes or special requests like rooms near each other.

Usually, you can modify a trip if space is available on those trains. You are responsible for the difference in cost, or you could receive a refund, depending on the situation.

You have 24 hours after purchasing your trip to cancel without penalty.

If you want to share a bedroom with others, all passengers must be on the same reservation. You will not be assigned a bedroom with someone you do not know.

Your Ticket

If you make reservations over the phone or electronically, Amtrak will email you an eticket. These etickets can be printed out or scanned from your phone.

If you are signed in, you can store and display your tickets in the Amtrak app on a mobile device. Be advised that the app needs Wi-Fi or data to work. Taking screenshots is another electronic way to gain quick access to your etickets.

If you make reservations at a station, you will receive a paper ticket; you can ask the agent if they can email them. These tickets may or may not be available on your mobile device.

Some stations have a Quik-Trak machine. These machines allow you to book trips using a credit or debit card. You will leave the device with a paper ticket.

You can scan the ticket you purchased online at one of these kiosks to receive a paper ticket.

The ticket machines print the size of airline boarding passes and the same ones you get if you make your reservations at a station.

The Info On Your Ticket

Each ticket contains the train name and number, followed by the sleeper cars and room numbers. Bedroom “room numbers” are letters. The car number is four digits found by the door, and the first two numbers are the route number.

Cost & Fees

When you book, your reservation has two parts: the rail fare and the room cost. The rail fare is the price that everyone pays to be on the train. So if you travel solo, you pay to rent a room and be on the train. If there are two passengers, each person will pay to be on the train but only one fee for the room.

If you qualify for a discount, the discount only applies to the rail fare portion of your ticket.

The price on the screen is the final price for you and your travel companion and is not for each person. You will have to work that out independently if you split the cost.

Booking Tip for Amtrak Bedroom Alternatives

I have a tip that might seem odd for this article, but I’m still putting it out there.

When traveling with someone else there could be an alternative if a bedroom costs more than you want, see if you can book two roomettes instead. While the roomettes are smaller and do not have a bathroom, booking two roomettes gives each person more personal space, possibly at a lower price.

Since rooms are assigned randomly, if you book online, you can call Amtrak or use a staff station to see if they can move your reservations to roomettes across or next to each other. This may not be possible or guaranteed, depending on how busy the train is then.

If you end up with rooms in different cars, or even if your rooms are close, you can hang out in one room during the day. This tip does prevent someone from climbing on the upper bunk in a roomette, which is a little trickier than the steps in a bedroom.

If you book two roomettes because of the cost, keep an eye on bedroom costs, and if the price drops, you can switch accommodations. Be sure to check with Amtrak’s current booking rules for fees associated with modifying reservations before making changes.

Boarding The Train

When the time comes for you to board your train, you should do a few things to make the boarding process more effortless.

The first thing is to listen for announcements at a staffed station. Next, have your tickets ready and review what car you are assigned.

As you approach the train, the conductors and onboard staff will help you get where you need to go. If you see the sleeper car roll by you, keep an eye out for it and walk in that direction.

For more details on boarding Amtrak trains, check the button below.

When In Your Amtrak Bedroom

When you are on the train, your car attendant can help you get acquainted with the room, inform you about meals, and prepare or put away your beds when it is time.

There is a call button if you need to get ahold of them.

You can tip, often $5 – $20 daily, if you receive good service. How much you tip depends on the quality of service and your budget. To learn more about tipping on Amtrak, check out this article.

You are free to walk around the train, within reason. If it has a Sightseer lounge, you can walk there, the cafe car (could be in the lower level Lounge car), the dining car, or the Sleeper Lounge on some Viewliner trains.

You can walk to the coach cars; sometimes, you may need to walk through them to get where you need to go. You cannot sit in those seats if you have a sleeper ticket. If you wanted to check them out, that is one thing, but those seats may be revered for someone else further down the line.

Fresh Air Stops

There are select stations for getting off the train to stretch, get fresh air, or smoke. Do not wander too far away from the train. The train can and will leave without you if you stray too far.

If you step off the train, listen for the train horn. Before the train leaves, the engineer often gives two quick blows to warn them to get on the train.

Amtrak will not leave before the scheduled time except for flag stops. If the train comes to a stop early, it may need to wait until its scheduled departure time, even if all the ticketed passengers climb aboard.

Smoking And The Amtrak Bedroom

Amtrak does not allow smoking or vaping on the train; there are some “fresh air” stops where you can get off the train to smoke. If Amtrak catches you smoking, the next stop could be your next stop.

I have an article on smoking, vaping, and marijuana on the train if that is something you may need.

Arriving At Your Destination

This one is a little easier because you only need to get off the train.

Getting Ready

I like to note the stop before mine; you can find that on the train’s timetable. Because I know after we leave, I should return to my room and prepare my belongings.

For example, if I take Amtrak to visit my sister in Bellvue, NE, near Omaha, NE, I note the Cresent, IA, stop. After we leave Cresent, our next stop is where I get off, Omaha. If all goes well after we leave Cresent, I know I have at least two hours before arriving.

Using my example, I have almost two hours from the Cresent, IA, stop, and Omaha to clean up my area, re-pack my things, and text my sister, letting her know I am close.

You may have more or less time. If you are not sure, ask your car attendant or a conductor.

The Staff Will Help You

During the day, conductors and car attendants announce the upcoming stops over the PA, but the quiet hours are from around 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

During the day, but especially during quiet hours, conductors or car attendants will knock on your door to let you know your stop is coming. They often come fifteen to thirty minutes before your destination.

I have had some fantastic car attendants who would wake me up around 4:30 a.m. for 4:50 a.m. arrival time into North Charleston, SC. It was not remarkable that they woke me up, but they offered me a cup of well-needed coffee.

Staff often offer to take your luggage to the door before arriving at your destination. Staff will direct you to the right door and help you off once the train comes to a complete stop. If you are on a Superliner, you will know what door you are leaving, but Viewliners may let passengers from two sleeper cars out of the same door.

Checked Bags

If you checked your bags, listen to the instructions on where to claim checked bags. There is no one protocol for checking baggage because there are various station types across the system.

Checked baggage is often like an airport with a baggage carousel at larger stations, but you could claim your bags off the baggage trailer at smaller stations.

Packing Ideas For An Enjoyable Amtrak Bedroom Adventure

Electronics and entertainment suggestions (Be aware. Typically, trains do not have internet.)

• Refreshments
  • I pack enough snacks for each direction of my journey. I put them in a small reusable bag that easily fits into my luggage.
    • This method saves space and is an excellent excuse to get out and explore your destinations or layover city. Many larger stations, like Chicago, have stores with snacks but with convenience store prices.
  • A refillable water bottle is a handy way to stay hydrated and save money and the environment.
  •  You can bring alcohol to consume in your room only. If you want to drink in other parts of the train, you can purchase them in the cafe or dining car. Amtrak can remove you from the train if you get out of control, so the next stop is your stop, regardless of your destination.
• Sleeping and misc
  • Eyeshades are handy for those who are super sensitive to light at night. There are
    • The windows have drapes, but sometimes, at a station stop, platform lights can be at the same height as your window so that a bit of light could leak in.
  • Earplugs for those who need it quiet, for safety, and engineers will blow the horn all night due to FRA rules.
  • Sleep aides because sometimes people get too excited to sleep or struggle sleeping away from home.

Etiquette In An Amtrak Bedroom

Basic manners apply, but there are a few things to remember.

• Inside voices are essential because the walls are thin, so be mindful of your neighbors.
• Keep your electronic devices low, including your text messages and ringtones.
• Treat your car attendant with respect. There is only one of them per sleeper car, and they try to help everyone the best they can.
  • Sleeping car attendants are busy during meals and bedtime, so be patient.
  • Here is an article about tipping on Amtrak trains.
• Clean up in common areas when you finish for the betterment of your fellow passengers.

Amtrak Bedroom FAQs

Amtrak bedrooms are the largest rooms available in Amtrak sleeper cars and are often the most expensive; with the increased cost come more space and amenities.

Superliner Trains have five bedrooms per car, all on the upper floor.

On Superliner sleepers, bedroom A is smaller in width by 10″, and E is next to the stairs. Bedrooms B and C form the bedroom suite, similar to hotels. On the Auto Train, a few cars have ten bedrooms.

Viewliners have two bedrooms located on the opposite side of the roomettes. These bedrooms can become a suite.

Suppose you want a specific bedroom or the “bedroom suite,” book at a staffed station or call 1-800-USA-Rail. If you booked online or with the app and want a different room, try contacting the above number. Room changes or picking a particular space are only possible if they are not reserved. You can always try at a later date in case something opens up.

When possible, Amtrak offers priority boarding to sleeper car passengers. Priority boarding is a service provided at the train’s initial station. Still, some intermediate stations send you to a location on the platform, so you are in the right spot when the train arrives.

While priority boarding is sweet, don’t worry if you miss it or the station does not offer it. Your room is reserved just for you; if you are the first or last person on the train, you still have that room.

Amtrak Bedroom Wrap-Up

Wow, that is a lot of information, and some of it will make sense once you see it on your first trip. I find researching as you do with this article helps you keep your expectations realistic.

My best advice is to book your tickets early, get on the train, sit back, relax, listen to the announcements, let the staff help you, be kind, and enjoy the scenery and adventure.

Please let me know if I missed something or if you still have questions!

Check out these articles for more information.

Safe Travels.

Kev

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